Higuain’s two goals were his 15th and 16th league goals of the season and helped his side to a comfortable 2-0 win. They also helped to dispel any questions over his form after he had been replaced in the starting lime-up by Karim Benzema.

Benzema’s groin injury opened the door for Higuain’ return and Karanka, who was speaking instead of coach Jose Mourinho, was delighted at his performance.

“The boss (Mourinho) says he is one of the best players in the World. He is a special player and this was a special game for him. Gonzalo is a player in who you can see a lot of personality, you can see when things are going well for him and when they are not going well,” said Karanka, who gave no reason for Mourinho’s non-appearance the same day that Mourinho’s former club, Chelsea sacked coach Andre Vilas-Boas.

Karanka preferred to highlight the performance of Brazilian midfielder Kaka, who netted Madrid’s fourth goal of the game, Xinhua reports.

“He is another player in which you can see how he is in his face. In the last game (against Rayo Vallecano) there was a lot of contact and he was not comfortable, but today he has changed his face,” commented Karanka.